The Transfer Tavern

Celtic: Club should be doing all they can to sign Oliver Burke

Having won three trophies in each of their last two seasons, even the departure of Brendan Rodgers to Leicester City last month doesn’t seem to be slowing down the Celtic juggernaut.

With Neil Lennon making a temporary return to the club until at very least the end of this season, the Hoops are on course for yet another treble and are sitting pretty to win their eighth Scottish Premiership title in a row.

Any potential challenge from Rangers has faded in recent weeks as Steven Gerrard’s side have failed to keep up with the form being demonstrated by Celtic who are now well clear of their Glasgow rivals having opened up an eight point lead at the top of the standings.

Yet when you look back to their 1-0 Boxing Day defeat at Ibrox to the Gers, it could have been a very different outcome if the club had not swooped for both Oliver Burke and Timothy Weah in the January transfer window.

With winger Daniel Arzani ruled out for the entire season with a serious knee injury and forward Leigh Griffiths also set for a prolonged absence, Celtic desperately needed to boost their attacking options.

By bringing in Weah from Paris Saint-Germain, they were guaranteed to stir up excitement amongst supporters considering that he is the son of former Ballon d’Or winner George Weah.

However, whereas the teenager is clearly a talented young prospect, it can be argued that if they have the choice to bring in one winger in the summer, it should be Burke. The 21-year-old is currently on loan at the club from West Bromwich Albion until the end of the season yet could be available to make a permanent move in the summer.

Indeed, the former Nottingham Forest man recently hinted he’s enjoying life in Glasgow (with quotes sourced by the BBC), so the Hoops should make an ambitious move.

Whilst both players have scored an equal amount of goals for the club (4), Burke has provided more assists (3), illustrating the fact that he has seemingly adapted quicker to the Scottish game.

It could also that signing the winger would be more cost-efficient for the Celtic’s shareholders considering the fact that Weah may be a more expensive acquisition giving his footballing background and room for development.

If the Bhoys are to splash the cash, by buying Burke they will be getting a player who has not only impressed in Championship but has also had experience in playing in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig. In comparison, Weah has only made five Ligue 1 appearances for PSG and would be a risky signing to make by Celtic.

The decision however to make a permanent move for either player could be defined by their performances for the remainder of the season.

What do you think Celtic fans? Should the club sign Burke instead of Weah if they get the choice too? Or should they go all-out for the American teenager instead? Get in touch below.